Life's little adventures, accompanied by a running watch

Sunday, January 29, 2012

I salute you, Mr. Slowsky

Awhile back, I wrote about Stacey, a runner in my neighborhood who inspired me.  I wrote about how I didn’t know her name, but to make it easier to refer to her, we named her Stacey.  Of course, there are other runners in our neighborhood who we don’t know but have grown accustomed to seeing day after day.  Another one of those runners we dubbed Mr. Slowsky. 

Mr. (and sometimes Mrs.) Slowsky ran by our house on almost a daily basis.  The word “ran” might be a questionable verb here, since their pace was that of almost a walk.  But I use the word “ran” because they were moving in a forward direction, moving their arms, breathing hard, and well, running.  Day after day.  I’m not judging, nor am I ridiculing; but the Comcast commercials depicting the Slowsky turtles is what came to mind and the nickname stuck.

One day while on a run, I approached Mr. Slowsky from behind and, although I tried not to startle him, of course I did just that.  He apologized for his slow pace and even referred to himself as a “turtle”.  I responded, “Hey, we’re both moving in the same direction, so it’s all good!”  He smiled and gave me a wave and a “Have a good day” and I passed him to continue my run.

I just found out that he died suddenly this past week. 

I now know his name and, based on his demeanor on the road as well as his obituary picture, he seemed like a good guy.  He wasn’t a whole lot older than Scott and me, and word is he was exercising just before passing.  It’s sad to hear of anyone passing and it’s unnerving when their absence suddenly hits – even a stranger.  I will miss seeing him run by our house and I will miss his friendly wave – you know, the runner’s wave that says “we’re all in this together”.

12 comments:

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    1. Which is why I think stories like this (even about strangers) resonates so deeply. Have a great day Christi!

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    2. I'm so glad he got to see your beautiful, happy smile!

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  2. Oh, that is so sad Lisa. These sudden deaths, especially of people close to our age, are like you said "unnerving." Go out and run one in memory of Mr. Slowsky! If he was a runner that is what he would have wanted don't you think?

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  3. I'm thankful that I have appreciation for my running, and each day that I can go out and run, but I always appreciate reminders to enjoy the day, enjoy the moment, we have no promises, no guarantees. thank you for sharing!

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  4. It's funny how random people that we don't really even know can have an impact on our lives. Here's to Mr. Slowsky!

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  5. It is amazing how stuff like this can move you. Very sad about Mr. Slowsky.

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  6. So sad Lisa, and definitely hits home. We ARE all in this together. Here's to Mr. Slowsky!

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  7. Funny how people can mean so much to us even when we don't get a chance to really know then. Run on for Mr. Slowsky!!

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